Paper-feeding machine.



No. 880,197. PATENTED'FEB. 25. 1908.

IT.G.DBXTBR- A PAPER FEEDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED Ill AR. 1, 1907.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

N0- 8.s0,197. v PATE'NTED FEB. 25,1908! T. c. DEXTER. E

PAPER FEEDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED M .1 90

- AB 7 3SHEETS-SHBET a.

ivil/Mamas 1m; NORRIS PETER: co., vusnmswn. o. c

' TALBOT O. DEXTER, OF PEARL RIVER, NEW YORK.

PAPER-FEEDING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 25, 1908.

Application filed March 1. 1907. Serial No. 360000.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, TALBOT C. DEXTER, a citizen ofthe United States, anda resident of Pearl River, in the county of Rockland and State of NewYork, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Paper-Feeding Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention relates generally to improvements in paper feedingmachines, and particularly to feeding machines of the sheet combingtype, in which the pile of sheets is acted upon by combing feedingdevices which comb or feather out the top sheets of the pile togradually separate the successive sheets near the top so they may bedrawn from the pile periodically and fed to any machine arranged tooperate upon the individual sheets. A machine of this type is set forthin Letters Patent No. 829,854., granted to me August 28th, 1906, and mypresent invention may best be considered in the light of an improvementupon the mechanism for raising and lowering the sheet combing devicesand the sheet actuated devices which control the operation of thecombing devices in a machine such as covered by the said patent.

It is well known to those skilled in the manufacture of paper feedingmachines that to meet the modern requirements of such machines, it isnecessary to construct a machine which will be able to feed withreasonable accuracy, various kinds and grades of paper. Accuracy infeeding is usually provided for by means of feed controlling devicesactuated by the movement of the sheet. It is also well known that manyefforts have been made in the past to improve the operation of paperfeeding machines with particular reference to the adaptation of suchmachines to the accurate handling of all kinds of paper, and furtherthat such efforts have not been altogether successful with respect tothe accurate feeding of some grades of thin and soft'papers, mainlybecause dependence has been placed upon the engagement of the uncertainand unreliable edge of the sheet of paper with a movable trip armsupported in the path of the sheets for the control of the sheet movingdevices.

Feed-controlling tripping devices which include trip arms hung in thepath of the sheets are objectionable in paper feeding machines whenoperating upon thin or soft paper because of the lack of strength andstiffness in the edge of the sheet which is depended upon for actuatingthe trip arm. Such devices are also objectionable in feeding any kind ofpaper because of the objectionable drag upon the sheets as they passfrom the machine. This last named objection is sometimes obviated byproviding means for elevating the trip arm out of contact with the sheetimmediately after it has performed its tripping function, but sucharrangements necessarily increase the compleXity of the structure andare objectionable from this standpoint.

My present invention entirely obviates the above mentioned difficultiesand enables me to produce a paper feeding machine of extremely simpleconstruction which will accurately feed all kinds of paper. I have doneaway with the objectionable trip arms supported in the path of thesheets, and have arranged to control the feeding action of the sheetmoving instruments through the medium of sheet controlled suctiondevices.

More specifically considered, my present invention comprises in a paperfeeding machine, a suitable sheet moving instrument having means forthrowing it into action and for arresting its operation, and suitablesuction means controlled by the sheet acted upon and arranged to causethe operation of the arresting means.

In carrying my invention into practical use, I have provided a paperfeeding machine with two independently acting sheet moving devices(preferably sheet combing wheels), an independent spring device forraising each combing wheel out of contact with the pile of sheets,suitable cam mechanism for lowering the combing wheels into activerelation with the pile of sheets, an independent latching device forrestraining each spring device when the combing wheels are operating, asuction cylinder connected with each latching device for tripping it,independent suction nozzles communicating with the independent suctioncylinders and supported beneath the path of the sheets in position to beclosed by a sheet when it reaches registered position, and independentsuction pumps communicating with the suction cylinders and controlled bysuitable valves for the purpose explained. I prefer to employ a threewayvalve in the communication between each pump and its suction cylinder insuch relation to the raising mechanism of the sheet moving instrumentthat the elevation of said instrument will operate the valve forbreaking the suction in the cylinder and suction nozzle. Each of thesethree-way valves is preferably actuated by a separate pump forautomatically moving it into its active position as each sheet movinginstrument is thrown into operation.

In order that my invention may be fully understood, I will firstdescribe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings, andafterwards point out the novelty more particularly in the annexedclaims.

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a paper feeding machine embodying myinvention,

one-half of the machine being omitted. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinalsectional view of the same. Fig. 3 is a detail vertical sectional viewof the suction controlling valve. Fig. 4 is a detail plan view of thesame. Fig. 5 is a detail longitudinal sectional view of one of thesuction cylinders. Fig. 6 is a. detail sectional view, partly inelevation, of one of the sheet controlled suction nozzles, and Fig. 7 isa detail plan view of the same.

Sheet feeding machines of the type to which my present invention relatesare provided with two sets of sheet moving devices arranged to operateat opposite sides of the machine. In the accompanying drawings, I haveshown only one-half of the machine, including only one of these sheetmoving devices, but it will be understood that two such devices of thesame construction are employed, each being independently controlled by asheet actuated, or controlled suction device, as hereinafter explained.

The frame-work of my improved machine may be of any suitableconstruction to prop erly support the working parts hereinafter referredto. In the drawings 1, 1, represent the vertical side frames. These sideframes are suitably braced to make them rigid by means of stay rods 2,3, and other frame parts not shown, and within the frame is provided asuitable table or support for carrying a pile of sheets, indicated bythe reference letter P. At the front of the pile of sheets, I provide aseries of vertical guide rods or strips, (not shown) for confining thepile.

5 is a constantly driven shaft bearing the lower feed rollers 6, saidshaft 5 being braced at intervals by suitable bearing brackets, (notshown).

8 are drop rollers journaled in the bifurcated rock arms 9, mounted uponthe transverse rockshaft 10. The rock shaft 10 extends transversely ofthe machine, above the constantly running lower shaft 5, and is suitablybraced between its ends by two or more bracket arms 11 rigidly securedto the auxiliary longitudinal frame pieces 12. The rock shaft 10 isoperated by the usual mechanism, whereby the series of drop rollers 8are peridically raised and lowered for performing their function.

21 and 22 are respectively the under feed roller and drop-roller of afolding machine to which the feeder is to pass the sheets.

The main cam shaft 20 extends transversely of the machine and issuitably onrnaled in the main side fran'ies 1 and the auxiliarylongitudinal frame pieces 12. This shaft 20 is provided with a drivingpulley 25, as shown, or it may be driven in any other suitable manner,said shaft being the shaft from which all other parts of the machine aredriven.

The cam shaft 20 carries a large gear 21;. which meshes with a smallergear 27, sec ured to a larger gear 28, j'ournaled upon a stud 2i),projecting from the side frame of the machine. The gear 28 meshes withand drives a smaller gear 30 journaled upon a stud 31, projecting fromthe side frame of the machine, and this gear 30 in turn drives a smallergear (not shown) keyed to the projecting end. of the comlier drivingshaft 1-35 hereinafter referred to, and a smaller gear 33 keyed to theprojecting end of the constantly rotating feed shaft 5 above referredto.

40 is one of a pair of combing wheels Each of these combing wheels isfreely journaled at 41 upon a rock arm 42, which is freely ournaled upona sleeve 50 which is in turn journaled upon the shaft 35. This shaft haskeyed to it a gear 45 which meshes with a gear 46 (shown by dottedlines) secured to the combing wheel 40, by which the combing wheel isconstantly rotated.

Projecting from one face of the combersupporting rock-arm 42 is anintegral lug 45% in which is mounted. an adjustable tappei screw 44.Secured upon the sleeve 50 to one side of the rock arm 42 is a rock arm51 which is provided with a finger 52, which projects beneath the tappetscrew 44 just referred to, and by its engagement therewith lifts thecombing wheel away from the pile. By adjusting the screw 44, the limitsof rise and fall of the combing wheel can be lixed.

The rock arm 51 is moved in one direction for lifting the combing wheelby a spring mechanism which is normally restrained by leased by thesheet actuated suction device hereinafter explained. The rock arm 51 ismoved in the opposite direction to allow the combing wheel to move bygravity into engagement with the pile of sheets by the action of a camas'will now be explained.

Sleeve 50 has at its end, adjacent to the rock arm 51, another rock arm55 to which is pivotally connected. a pitman 56, formed dles the shaft20. The shaft 20 carries a peripheral cam 58, which engages anantifriction roller 57 journaled upon the pitinan 56, whereby the rockarm 56, sleeve 50, and l finger 52 are moved once in each revolutioi'i alatching device which is periodically rewith a yoke-shaped upper end,which stradof the shaft 20 to reset the spring and latching mechanisms(hereinafter described) and allow the combing wheel to rest upon thepile.

The rock arm 51 projects forwardly from the sleeve 50 and has pivotallyconnected to its forward end ayoke-shaped latchingbar 60 extendingvertically and formed at its upper end with a contracted guide-bar portion 60 which rides in a socket formed in a bracket 62 extendinglaterally from one of the central auxiliary frames 12. Pivoted at 63 inthe upper end of the loop of the yokeshaped latching bar 60, is alatching arm 63. The lower end of the latching arm 63 is recessedslightly to fit over an antifriction roller 64 freely journaled betweenthe ears 65 projecting from an angular bracket arm 65, which is securedto one of the frame pieces 12. The ears 65 and antifriction roller 64,are supported within the lower end of the loop of latching bar 60 sothat when the latching arm 63 is in engagement with the antifrictionroller, said arm will be in a proper position to maintain the downwardthrust of the latching bar to withstand the pressure of the'springdevice (presently to be referred to), with the result that the combingwheel will be allowed to rest in its lower operating position. Thelatching arm 63 is moved into and out of active position during theoperation of the machine by the means hereinafter described, under thecontrol of the sheets fed from the pile.

A rod is pivoted at 71 to the rock arm 51 and projects therefromvertically through a guide pin 72 projecting from the bracket 62.Surrounding the rod 70 and confined between a collar 7 0 above the rockarm 51 and the guide pin 72 is an expansion spring 75, which tends tothrow down the arm 51 and move up the finger 52 for raising the comberaway from the pile of sheets. This spring tendency is normallyrestrained by the latching arm 63, and the latching bar 60.

Turning now to the sheet controlled suction mechanism for releasing thecomber elevating means, it will be observed that a suction cylinder isformed integral with or otherwise securely mounted upon the casting orpart of the frame projecting rearwardly from the front stay rod 3. Thissuction cylinder 80 is preferably formed with two inlet and outlet ports81 and 82 adjacent to its rear closed end, tubular bosses 83, 84,projecting from the cylinder and forming continuations of the said portsfor the convenient connection of rubber hose as hereinafter explained.The suction cylinder 80 has an open inner end 80 piston 85 rides freelyin the cylindrical bore of the suction cylinder 80, and has projecting rinwardly from its head a guide pin 86 upon which is mounted an expansionspring 87 which engages the inner closed head of the l A hollowcylindrical 3 cylinder, giving the piston a tendency to move outwardlyin the cylinder.

The piston 85 has formed on the outer face of its head the perforatedears or lugs 88 between which is pivoted a link or pitman 89 havingpivotal connection at its opposite end 90 with the upper end of a rockarm 91, which is secured to or formed integral with a tubular rock shaft92 which is freely journaled upon a pin 93 projecting outwardly from theforwardly presented face of the yoke-shaped latching bar 60. Secured toor formed integral with the inner or rearward end of the tubular rockshaft 92 is a shorter rock arm 95 carrying at its upper end a rearwardlyprojecting pin 96 which engages a finger 63 formed integral with orsecured to the edge of the latching arm 63. This finger 63 is attachedto the latching arm 63 at a point 63, from which it projects downwardlyparallel with the arm 63, and forms with the arm, a vertical slot 63 asshown. From this arrangement it will be observed that the movement ofthe piston in its cylinder will rock the tubular shaft 92 and force thelatching arm 63 outwardly for releasing the spring device above referredto.

Supported directly beneath the plane of feed of the sheets adjacent tothe delivery drop roller mechanism is a suction nozzle 100. Two of thesesuction nozzles are arranged at the delivery end of the machine, onebeing directly in front of each of the combing wheels. Each of thesesuction nozzles is preferably in the form shown in Figs. 6 and 7 of thedrawings, in which it consists of a flattened tubular structure closedat its ends 100 and having in its upper wall a transverse series ofsmall perforations 101. Depending from the lower wall of the suctionnozzle is a tubular boss 102. The nozzle curves downwardly toward therear to form guiding surface for the combed out forward edge of the pileof sheets. These suction nozzles are mounted in any suitable manner withtheir upper surfaces approximately in the same plane as the upper edgesof the under feed rollers 6 above referred to, the nozzles also servingas sheet guides to assist in guiding the successive sheets from thepile. The transverse series of perforations are arranged approximatelyin line with the life of the drop roller mechanism.

Mounted upon a bracket arm projecting from one of the frame'pieces 12 isa threeway valve casing 106 having a vertical dovetail recess 107 -cutin its forward face, and three tubular projections 108, 109' andextending from its rear face and forming coni tinuat-ions of the ports108*, 109' and 110 which pass through the rear wall of the valve casingand are in open communication with the recess 107.

112 is the vertically reciprocating valve plate, formed on its innerface with the recess orpocket 113 which is adapted to form a.communication between the ports 108 and 109. Valve plate 112 also hasan air supply port 114, which is adapted to communicate with port 108andv an exhaust port 115, which is adapted to communicate with the port110. An arm or lug 116 rigidly secured to the outer face of valve plate112 projects downwardly into engagement with the upper end of thereduced guide portion 60 of the yoke-shaped latching bar 60. A spring117 connects the valve plate 112 with the bracket arm 62, causing thevalve plate to follow the movements of the latching bar 60.

A hose or pipe 120 leads from the tubular projection 1.08 to anysuitable air pump or other suction apparatus. I prefer to employ asimple form of rotary air pump suitably operated from any source ofpower, such for instance as a part of the feeding machine, so arrangedas to continually exhaust air through the hose or pipe 120. A hose orpipe 121 leads from the central tubular projection 109 of the valvecasing to the tubular connection 84 projecting from the suction cylinder80. A hose or pipe 1.22 communicates between the lower tubularprojection 110 and. the tubular projection 83 of the suction cylinder80.

The tubular connection 84 of the cylinder 80 has a branch tubularconnection 8 1, from. which a hose or pipe 123 extends and is connectedwith the tubular projection 102 of the suction nozzle.

The latching arm 63 is also provided with an upwardly projecting lug 63which is normally in the path of a cam shaped projection 125 projectingfrom the periphery of the face cam 159 for the purpose of positivelydisengaging the latching device once for every revolution of the shaft20 independently of the automatic sheet controlled suction mechanism.This cam projection 125 is effective only in case the sheet has not beenfed forward sufficiently far to cause the tripping action of the suctionmechanism, in which event the lug 63 remains in the path of and is actedupon by the part 125.

Extending longitudinally of the machine, at each side is a rock shaft155 journaled in bracket arms 156 extending down from the auxiliaryframe pieces 12. At the forward end of each of these rock shafts is arock arm 157 carrying at its upper end an antifriction roller 158, whichoperates in engagement witha face cam 159, keyed to the cam shaft 20.Each of the rock shafts 155 carries a horizontal rock arm which isadjustable longitudinally of the machine, and carries a weighted tailgripper 160 of the same construction as 'fully set forth in my abovenamed patent.

The following brief explanation will make clear the operation of myimproved machine:

It being understood. that a machine embodying my improvements isprovided with two sets of sheet combing mechanisms, each independentlycontrolled by a sheet actuated suction device as described, the machineis started in operation with the combing wheels resting upon the top ofthe pile of sheets, the combing wheels being driven through the gears asabove explained. In this normal operative position of the machine, thespring elevating mechanisms for the combers are held out of section bythe latching arms 63 and latching bars 60, which being in their elevatedpositions, will hold the valve plates 1 12 in their elevated position asshown in the drawings, with the result that the air pump in connectionwith pipe 120 will continually exhaust air through the valve casing,pipe 121, cylinder 80 pipe 123 and suction nozzle 100. The capacity ofthese pipes and the series of openings of suction nozzle 100 aresuflicient to supply the pump, which of course must be of the propersize and adjusted to suit the particular requirements. It will, ofcourse, be understood that an independent air pump is employed for eachset of suction controlling devices, that is one for each side of themachine, or a suitable double or two compartment pump may be ei'nployedin which one compartment is utilizedv for each independent suctiondevice. The two combing wheels will continue to operate until theforward edge of the top sheet in front of one of the combing wheels ismoved forward sulliciently to close the openings 101 in one of thesuction nozzles 100. The instant this happens these openings are closedby the sheet (the sheet being held to the suction nozzle by the suction)and the supply of air to the pump is cut off with the result that apartial vacuum will be formed in the suction cylinder 80. The suction incylinder 80 pulls in the piston 85, and through the connections withrock shaft 92 trips the arm 63 from the antifriction roller 64 torelease the spring mechanism which immediately acts and raises thecombing wheel away from the pile of sheets, and thereby arrests itsaction upon the sheets. This action is immediately followed by the sameoperation on the other combing wheel as the edge of the sheet in frontof such other combing wheel reaches registered position above itscontrolling suction nozzle. As each combing wheel is raised from thepile by the mechanism described, the latching bar 60 moves downwardlyand permits the spring 1.17 to move the valve plate 112 downwardly tothereby break the communication between pipes 120 and 121, and open upcommunication between pipe 120 and the open air through port 114, and toopen up communication between pipe 122 (leading from cylinder 80) andthe open air through port 115 for breaking the suction in cylinder 80and the suction nozzle positions of operation.

100. When both combing wheels have been arrested by these independentsuction devices, the sheet will be in registered position in readinessfor the operation of the drop roller mechanism, which comes into play tofeed the sheet from the pile. As the sheet is engaged by the drop rollermechanism the tail grips 160 engage the under sheet just back ofthe'rear edge of the top sheet for holding the pile in place. As soon asthe top sheet has completely left the pile, the cams 58 will forciblyrock the sleeves 50 to permit the combing Wheels to again fall intooperative engagement with the top of the pile of sheets, and at the sametime to reset the spring devices and latching mechanisms and shiftingthe suction controlling valves to their normal In this resettingoperation it will be observed that the spring 87 within the cylinders 80acting upon pistons 85, will cause the latching arms 63 to move backinto engagement with their supporting antifriction rollers 64 formaintaining the parts in their normal operative positions.

The great advantages resulting from my above explained invention aremainly the simplicity in construction and adaptability for use with allkinds of paper, in addition to the avoidance of the objectionable useoftripping devices which project into engagement with the sheet beingfed. Any required amount ofipower may be generated in the suctioncylinders for tripping or arresting the operation of the feedinginstruments without subjecting the sheets to any objectionable strain,since the sheet is only called upon to cover up a series of smallopenings for shutting off the supply of air. "Each of the suctionnozzles, in addition to its function of controlling the action of thesuction cylinder for arresting the feeding operation, also serves animportant purpose as a sheet registering device. The moment that theforward edge of the sheet is moved over the series-of perforations inthe suction nozzle, the sheet is firmly gripped by the suction and heldagainst further forward movement. This action taking place successivelyon the two suction nozzles will accurately register the forward edge ofthe sheet. These suction nozzles are so com pletely reliable asregistering devices that I have found it unnecessary to provide otherforms of front guides or registering devices in my feeding machine, buthave been able to rely entirely upon the suction nozzles, therebyfurther simplifying the feeding machine. I consider this feature of theregistering devices formed of suction nozzles operating as described, tobe a very important one.

While I have illustrated and described my invention as applied to afeeding machine of the sheet combing type, I would have it understoodthat I do not intend to limit the what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is: g

1. The combination, in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstrument,

means for operating the sheet moving instrument, means for arresting theoperation of said instrument, sheet controlled suction means controllingsaid arresting means, and means operated by the arrest of operation ofsaid instrument for throwing out of action the suction means.

2. The combination, in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstrument, means for operating the sheet moving instrument, means forarresting the operation of said instrument, sheet controlled suctionmeans controlling said arresting means, a relief valve for releasing thesuction, and means for operating said valve actuatedby the movements ofthe sheet moving instrument into and out of operation.

3. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstrument adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with a sheet,a spring device adapted to elevate the sheet moving instrument, meansfor restraining the action of the spring device, and sheet controlledsuction means adapted to release said restraining means.

4. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheetmovinginstrument, a driving shaft operating said sheet movinginstrument, spring mechanism for elevating the sheet moving instrument,means normally restraining the action of the spring mechanism, and sheetcontrolled suction means adapted to release the restraining means.

5. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstrument, a driving shaft operating said sheet moving instrument,springmechanism for elevating the sheet moving instrument, a latchingdevice normally restraining the action of the spring mechanism, andsheet controlled suction means adapted to release the latching.

throw into operation the sheet moving instrument and reset the springmechanism and latching device.

7. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet moving combingwheel, a driving-shaft operating said combing wheel, spring mechanismfor elevating the combing wheel, a latching device normally restrainingthe action of the spring mechanism, sheet controlled suction meansadapted to release the latching device, and means adapted to lower thecombing wheel and reset the spring mechanism and latching device.

8. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstrument adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with a sheet,a spring device adapted to elevate the sheet moving instrument, meansfor restraining the action. of the spring device, a suction cylinderhaving communication with suitable means for exhausting air therefrom,an air supply nozzle in the path of and adapted to be closed by a sheet,communication between said nozzle and said suction cylinder, and apiston operating in said cylinder and suitably connected with andadapted to release said restraining means.

9. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstrument adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with a sheet,a spring device adapted to elevate the sheet moving instrument, meansfor restraining the action of the spring device, a suction cylinderhaving communication with suitable means for exhausting air therefrom,an air supply nozzle in the path of and adapted to be closed by a sheet,an air pipe communicating between said nozzle and said. suctioncylinder, a piston operating in said cylinder and suitably connectedwith and adapted to release said restraining means, and a cam adapted toreset said spring device and restraining means and. lower the sheetmoving instrument into engagement with the sheet.

10. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstrument, means for operating the sheet moving instrument, means forarresting the operation of the sheet moving instrument, means forrestraining the action of the arresting means, sheet controlled suctionmeans adapted to release said restraining means, and an automatic valveactuated by the movements of the sheet moving instrument for releasingthe suction in the suction means.

11. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstrument, means for operating said sheet moving instrument, means forelevating the sheet moving instrument from the pile, means for loweringthe sheet moving instrument upon the pile, sheet controlled suctionmeans adapted to cause the operation of the elevating means,

and means actuated by the elevating means for throwing out of action thesuction means.

12. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstrument, means for operating said instrument, spring mechanism forelevating said instrument, a latching bar connected with. the springmechanism, a latching arm mounted upon the latching bar, a stationarysupport with which the latching arm is adapted to engage, and sheetcontrolled suction means adaptml to disengage said latching arm.

13. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstrument. means for operating said instrument, spring mechanism forelevating said instrument, a latching bar connected with the springmechanism, a latching arm mounted upon the latching bar, a stationarysupport, an antifriction roller mounted upon said support with which thelatching arm is adapted to engage, and sheet controlled means adapted todisengage the latching arm from its stationary support.

14. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstrument, means for operating said instrument, spring mechanism forelevating said instrument, a latching bar connected with the sprinmechanism, a latching arm.mounted upon the latching bar, a stationarysupport with which the latching arm is adapted to engage, a rock shafthaving a rock arm engaging said latching arm, a suction cylinder, apiston operating in said. cylinder, suitable connections between saidpiston and said rock arm,

. means for exhausting air from said cylinder,

and a suction relief nozzle in connnunication with said cylinder andsupported in. the path of the sheets.

15. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstrun'ient, spring mechanism for elevating the sheet moving instrumentfrom the pile, latching mechanism for normally restraining the action ofthe spring mechanism, sheet controlled means for automatically releasingthe latching mechanism, and a cam mechanism adapted to periodicallyrelease said latching mechanism.

16. The combination in a paper feeding 1 cam. adapted to engage said armfor perij odically releasing the latching arm.

17. The combination in a paper feeding machine, of a sheet movinginstriiunen t,

means for elevating the sheet moving instrument from a pile, sheetcontrolled suction means for controlling the elevating mechanism, meansfor exhausting air from the suction means including a controlling valve,and means for operating said valve by the elevating means.

18-; In a paper feeding machine, the com bination of a sheet movinginstrument, elevating means therefor, means for restraining the actionof the elevating means, a suction cylinder, a piston operating in saidcylinder and suitably connected With said restraining means, a suctionnozzle in the path of the sheets communicating with the suctioncylinder, means for exhausting air from the suction cylinder, athree-Way valve included in the air exhausting means, and means foroperating said valve.

19. In a paper feeding machine, the combination of a sheet movinginstrument, means for elevating the sheet moving instrument from a pile,suction means controlling the elevating means and including acommunicating suction cylinder and relief nozzle, air exhausting means,a three-Way valve communicating With the air exhausting means and Withthe suction cylinder, and means for operating said valve.

20. The combination of a sheet moving instrument, means for operatingsaid instrument, spring mechanism for elevating said instrument, alatching device normally restraining the action of the spring mechanism,a suction cylinder, a piston operating in said cylinder and suitablyconnected With the latching device, a spring in the suction cylinderengaging the piston, means. for exhausting air from said cylinder, and asuction relief nozzle communicating with the cylinder and supported inthe path of the sheets.

TALBOT C. DEXTER.

Witnesses:

WM. P. HAMMOND, WM. E. KNIGHT.

